Technology is Power

Reading about American and European dominance in economic, political, and cultural aspects and the implications of 21^st century globalization has led me to reflect on the impact of historical Western dominance on Singapore, in the context of Technology and World Change.

In the first place, a key factor as to why Singapore became a British colony was technology. The Europeans were technologically superior, possessing the most advanced ships, weaponry and likely an abundance of food supplies for their journey to and conquest of Southeast Asia. This much is obvious. Week 2's readings have also called to my attention that Singapore’s historical background has continued to be entrenched in the way our country operates- our education, legal, political systems are modelled after the British system, and the list goes on. More interestingly, I believe that the memory of our history and the local context is a primary motivator as to how we use technology to adapt to globalization, and the culture we have created to establish these as norms.

For example,

-Having the British fail to defend us and suffering under the brutalities of the Japanese occupation has led us to be mindful of the need to upkeep national defences. This includes not only the forging of cooperative and powerful allies (i.e the United States) but also, constantly upgrading the military technologies used by the army.

-Being a small country, it is essential for us to be as open as possible. This has led to our adaptation of cutting edge information and communications technologies, connecting us to practically all parts of the world. This is crucial for today’s globalized business operations, political cooperation etcetera.

Overall, Singapore’s economy and businesses have successfully integrated themselves into a globalized landscape. In Rising Up to the Global Challenge, it is suggested that there are four characteristics of a key global player.

1. Globalization of Supply Chain. There are increasingly more products that are “made in ASEAN”, in which the different stages of a production process takes place in various nations.

2. Globalization of Market Presence. Many home-grown companies like Breadtalk, Tiger Beer have become recognized global brands. Meanwhile, a significant number of MNCs like Shell and Rolls-Royce have chose Singapore as their headquarters- no easy feat for a tiny country with no natural resources of its own.

3. Globalization of Corporate Mindset. During this year’s national day rally speech, PM Lee took pains to emphasize the importance of remaining open to foreign immigrants. A culturally diverse workplace will enhance discussion and broaden perspective not only about lifestyles but also business operations.

4. Globalization of Capital Base. In the post-WWII period, Singapore capitalized on the technological advancements of the First World. Now, it partakes in a 2-way sharing of technological R&D so as to more effectively find methods of improving businesses.

“In order to be good at a game, you have to know the rules” would be an apt analogy as to how Singapore has adapted to globalization with the help of technology.

Technology begins with the human mind

Hi Prof, TA and g22 classmates!

As I’m completely new to the class considering I only joined after week 2’s lesson, I’ll just like to briefly introduce myself. I’m Desiree but everyone calls me Des for short. Currently doing an internship at School of Thought (a tuition centre, magazine publications, F&B, social enterprise and heritage tours all rolled into one). I love my job such that I have no urge to quit despite the heavy school and workload.

From the first TWC lesson I attended in another group, and all the readings I’ve covered so far (hastily trying to catch up! Need…coffee!!!), the first major thing that I’ve learnt is that technology has literally transformed every aspect of human life (especially from 50,000 years ago onwards). I know this is a very obvious statement to make but I cannot emphasize how truly amazed I was! Before, whenever the term “technology” was mentioned I automatically imagined very high-tech ideas like Apple IT products, LED television, etcetera. I also imagined how a 21^st century person like myself would feel being suddenly transported to the days of the caveman, and concluded that I would be utterly miserable, lost, and probably starving to death. Now, I can more fully appreciate how even the simplest things I take for granted-like fire, clean water, a pen- are all products of technology.

(This would not be pretty if it was all I had.)

Technology therefore, can be defined as the successful materialization of an idea that improves human life.

These led to me appreciate a second point on a far deeper level: anyone can be a technologist. Since technology is not solely restricted to high-tech and IT fields, it follows that the layman, though not necessarily specialized in any field, can be an impactful technologist. To do this, we must try our best not to accept circumstances as they are (though this is not easy), and find ways in which we can continuously improve the human psyche.

In Guns, Germs and Steel, one of Jared Diamond’s main arguments is that with certain types of plants and farm animals, production of food could increase dramatically, subsequently freeing up people to come up with new practises for the betterment of community life. As I pictured this in my head, I wondered what it would be like to be an individual 9,000 years ago whom, all of a sudden, no longer had to farm and instead had to find something else to do with my life. Without education and a collective body of knowledge at their disposal, I always assumed people in ancient times would have been too backward and simple-minded. It has come to my greater attention that they were amazingly experimental, innovative and productive.

(The ruins of an ancient home.)

All in all, technology is never left solely for the world’s geniuses or IT experts to play around with. A “technological” idea can start to take shape in any human mind.

note: all images taken from Flikr Creative Commons